Family-Friendly Events in the Fox Cities in 2026
Need some easy ways to keep the family entertained? Here are a few summer events worth adding to the calendar that’ll keep everyone busy and having a great time.
Summer Kickoff Concert
It's one epic night of music and fun in the heart of Downtown Neenah on June 10 from 6pm-9pm! Celebrate the start of summer with The Glam Band. You'll love this high-energy, family-friendly street party that is free to attend.
Appleton Flag Day Parade
Did you know Appleton is home to the nation’s oldest Flag Day parade, dating back to June 1950? This patriotic event is held every second Saturday of June. For 2026, it will be Saturday, June 13th, beginning at 2 pm.
CommunityFest
The cities of Neenah and Menasha team up to host a spectacular two-day multi-city event each Independence Day weekend. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy a cookout, live music, a nighttime parade of lights, and a fireworks show. Follow their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information and a full schedule of events.
Building For Kids Children's Parade
This fantastic parade brought to you by the Building For Kids Children's Museum kicks off at Houdini Plaza in Downtown Appleton at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026. Following the parade, keep the fun going and head to City Park for free activities, entertainment, food trucks, and an award ceremony.
Art at the Park
Dive into an outdoor festival of creative and unique visual art at City Park in Appleton, hosted by the Trout Museum of Art on July 25th (9 am to 5 pm) and 26th (9 am to 4 pm), 2026. Festival goers can experience a mix of beautiful art, music, entertainment, food, activities, and over 200 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, and much more. Admission is free.
GLASS Arts Festival
LOCATION CHANGE FOR 2026
Due to severe storm damage in surrounding communities, this year's Glass Arts Festival has been moved to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center at 335 W Lawrence St, Appleton.
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass will host its annual GLASS Arts Festival on Saturday, August 8th, 2026. It's billed as the only outdoor all-glass art event in the country. Visitors can browse the grounds, galleries, and the scenery of the beautiful shores of Lake Winnebago in Neenah.
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